There are so many unique ways to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. Spending time with friends and family, enjoying a great meal, and much more. Let’s look at seven ways you can celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Some might be familiar to you; some might be completely new, and all are great ways to express thanks and joy, whether you are spending time with friends or family. Whether you enjoy a home-cooked meal or a 5-course restaurant feast, Thanksgiving can be fun and memorable. Get ready to plan your holiday in the seven ways listed below.
Recreating Images of Your Past
We all have those photos—those we loved at the time but became embarrassed by our hairstyles, and now we look back on them with a smile. What better time than Thanksgiving to bust out the shoebox of prints or scroll way back in your phone’s photo library and not just enjoy but relive those moments?
Digging out those old clothes, getting your hair just right, and recreating those old photos can be a blast. You can go all out and use an Instant film camera like the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400, a disposable film camera, or your smartphone; no matter the medium, the memory will be unforgettable.
Break Out Your Football Jersey
When I was growing up, we had a Thanksgiving tradition of watching our town’s high school football team beat (I mean play against) our local rival. We would all drink hot chocolate and watch the game in the chilly New England fall weather.
My high school team’s games are not televised, and I live too far away to drive to the game these days. However, that can’t stop us from getting together, virtually or otherwise. Dressed in our teams’ paraphernalia, we enjoy one (or many) college football games that air on Thanksgiving Day. Sitting on the same sofa together in front of a giant TV or on a video call, watching football is a fun Thanksgiving tradition.
Volunteering at Your Local Organization
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what we have: friends and family, safety, and home. Many people out there have less than us. One way to celebrate our fortune is to share it with others.
Perhaps you can donate your time to a local food bank or help an elderly neighbor prepare a nice meal. While these are acts of giving, we undoubtedly gain as well. While it may be difficult for some of us to volunteer on Thanksgiving Day, remember that many of these food pantries also need help in the days and weeks building up to the holiday.
Feeding America is an excellent place to start when you are looking to volunteer or just Google “Food Bank near me.”
Make or Keep a Tradition
Why not start your own unique Thanksgiving tradition? Perhaps you already have one and don’t think of it that way. Do you always watch a particular movie, take a long walk after dinner, or go ice skating? These are all great activities to do 4th family and friends and pass on to others. Consider seeing a football game or volunteering in the morning if you are not the one cooking. Or you could have your special dish, which you bring to the table. I’m not bragging, but my fresh cranberry sauce is always a winner; the secret is orange juice. Don’t tell anyone.
Memorabilia Equals Memories
I will never forget the big serving dish shaped like a turkey my aunt used for the warm rolls every Thanksgiving. A gravy boat, some napkin rings, a picture for the sweet tea. These are all handy and memorable items to bring to the Thanksgiving table. As a group or family, why not head to your local holiday market and find something unique and personal for your table(s)? Each year, you could add a new item, and soon, this tradition will fill your table with sparkles of Thanksgiving memories.
Check Out the Window Displays
In 1874, Macy’s launched the tradition of holiday window displays, or so they say. A display of mechanical toys and dolls thrilled the crowds. Now, almost every retail store creates beautiful scenes for the holidays in their street display windows.
From fancy clothes to toys to fairytale scenes, these displays help signal the beginning of the holiday season for many people. A nice walk down 5th Avenue or even through your favorite mall will delight the senses and ensure we find the perfect gift for friends and family—maybe even something for ourselves.
If you are in New York for the holidays, check out our window displays on 18th Street.
Let the Professionals do the Cooking
For many, cooking a big meal is a fun tradition. For the rest of us, eating a delicious meal is! Restaurants have caught on to the idea that not everyone wants to gather at home for the holidays. Celebrating a “Friendsgiving” at your favorite restaurant, or someplace new and maybe a bit fancy, is a great way to spend the day.
To make it even easier, many places will offer a Prix-fixe menu and allow for booking reservations far in advance. Others offer complete meals packed and ready to go so that you can enjoy your feast at home but still avoid the cooking. Not to mention the clean-up.
Final Thoughts
The Thanksgiving holiday is what you make of it—family and tradition, friends and trying new things, whatever you choose. Celebrate what you have and help those who might not be as fortunate with your time, caring, and, if possible, some food donations. I look back on Thanksgivings I had with family, friends, and even with (at the time, strangers), remembering how holidays are about gathering and community. Build your traditions, memories, and community.
